Backlash as BASATA Proposes New Rules to Govern Bongo Music

[Photo: Courtesy]

By Paul A.

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A storm is brewing in the bongo music scene after regulators in the country proposed new changes governing the release of music. BASATA, the country’s art scene regulator, is proposing to review all music content by musicians before any publication.

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According to BASATA, the move is aimed at bringing sanity to the music industry by eliminating the use of vulgar language. However, several musicians have reacted to the development stating that it is a backward move.

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Some of the musicians who have responded to the matter are accusing BASATA of double standards because they are not censoring foreign music.

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Legendary rapper AY noted that the regulator can explore other alternatives in addressing the matter.

"Basata wanakagua nyimbo za Tanzania pekee yake tu na kuruhusu zingine za nje ya Bongo zipigwe hewani au? Kutoa wimbo kama unaomba viza ya North Korea bwana sio sahihi na si haki njia mbadala zipo nyingi tu," said AY.

Elsewhere, rapper and lawmaker Mwana FA, a former BASATA board member, opposed the move, stating it is curtailing freedom of expression by musicians.

“Naomba niandike kuhusu hili la huu utaratibu mpya wa BASATA. Binafsi sikubaliani nalo na ntalipinga kwa nguvu nyingi. Sidhani kama Sheria hii inafaa hata kuwepo achia mbali kutumika. Haina tija yeyote,haimsaidii msanii kwa namna yeyote. Ni ya kidwanzi. Inatakiwa kurekebishwa kama sio kuondolewa kabisa. Tutafute namna nyingine za ku’censor sanaa matusi yasisikike kwa kadri inavyowezekana na sio kwa utaratibu huu dhaifu na wa kikandamizaji,” said Mwana FA.

BASATA is yet to comment following the backlash.